Remodeling Storage & Closet Design Dilemma

Walk in closet in octagonal shaped space with 3 windows?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Greetings! Living with a family of 7, space is at a premium!

That being said, I am considering creating a walk in closet for my primary bedroom, in a Victorian home in a hot, humid climate. Because we are also in the process of reconfiguring the space to install a washer and dryer on our second floor, we thought we would take the opportunity to consider building a closet during the renovation.

Allotted space: The only spot that may work for this has 3 large bay windows and the architect has proposed an octagonal shaped room.

Closet for our Needs:

Me: I have minimal clothing, about 16 pairs of shoes. Pants: 8, Dresses: 14, Skirts: 10, Business jackets: 10, winter jacket: 1

Bags/Purses: 8

Husband: Shoes: 4 , Dress shirts: 12, Scrubs : 40 sets (we keep in drawers), Sweaters: 8, Jackets: 2

Floor to Ceiling Height: 14 feet

Concerns: I prefer closed storage, also need to protect from the sun, open to putting in privacy glass and window treatments.

Investment:

Per Pinterest, an octagonal shape can be pulled off elegantly enough, but I am also slightly terrified at the prospect. The architect says I need to get a closet builder or closet organizer vendor to bid it out for me, but before I go forward, I wanted to ask if the dimensions seem reasonable and if I should move forward with the allotted layout.

Questions:

Yay or nay for octagonal walk in closet?

Other suggestions?

Alternative: Tear out existing small bathroom (does not currently have tub), and move closet to where bathroom is currently, then create new master bath by encroaching on hallway space or kid bedroom.

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Comments (5)

emiliaonice
Original Author
2 years ago
Seabornman
2 years ago
I don't think the issue is the octagon; that seems to work ok. Are you left with any windows in the bedroom other than the one I see on your plan? Do you open your windows for a breeze or do you let HVAC system control temps? Do you use that octagon space now? It'd be a great coffee and reading area in my world but you may do that elsewhere.
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5' x 5' is really not enough room for a walk in closet to have rods on both sides. (Think that you need to devote 2' to each hanging side. Now, even if that 5' was the inside measurement of the closet, that still would just leave you with a foot to shimmy down. Not enough room to maneuver or to remove clothes. At minimum, you need 6' interior measurement for width to give you a 2' center aisle. If you just do rods down one side, you have wasted a lot of space. What will you do with that space? You could do shelves, but make sure you don't block access to the hanging rod. So, look at your storage needs. Most places need more hanging space in the master, not shelves. You can use a dresser, etc., to do the same as shelves would. So, a 5'x'5' walk-in closet will give you 5' of hanging. With either of your reach-in dimensions, you get 6' or 7' of hanging space. How tall are your ceilings? If they are tall, you can do quite a bit of storage above and I would recommend the 3' depth. If your ceilings are not tall, you could go with a 2' or 2.5' inside depth. (I would stick with at least 2.5', especially if you have any coats or puffy clothing that would stick out a bit more.) Remember that the measurements I am saying are for the inside dimensions. I vote for a reach in.
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emiliaonice
Original Author
2 years ago
@Seabornman Thanks for your review and thoughts! There are other windows to the bedroom so the closet will not monopolize available light to the bedroom. We have 3 young kids and primarily spend our waking hours on the first floor, and since this bedroom is on the second floor, the window nook space cannot serve a purpose with our current lifestyle/age distribution. It could be a great coffee / tea drinking place though, in another life:)
3onthetree
2 years ago
I do not see a correlation on the size of your family or the kid's ages influencing a walk-in closet in the Master Bedroom. If your house is a true original Victorian, then you are certainly aware of, and resigned to living with, a lack of closets from that era.

Making a Master ensuite is a necessary purpose, however, I cannot imagine that capturing the turret space in any Victorian would be an appropriate solution for a good ensuite layout, closet functionality, or ROI.

Reserved on seeing entire plans of the floor(s), but I would lean towards your alternative solution.
emiliaonice
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks @3onthetree for your review and taking the time to offer an assessment. I agree that the historical turret feature is an important feature for the house, and building a closet in this space should not be taken lightly.

I thought to add the notes about my family size to orient anyone weighing in towards our space restrictions and lifestyle. We have 3 young children and two elderly grandparents, therefore there is no flexibility in switching rooms or story of the home to gain more space.

Walk in closet in octagonal shaped space with 3 windows?

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emiliaonice
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Seabornman

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Walk in closet in octagonal shaped space with 3 windows?

Comments (5)

emiliaoniceOriginal Author

Seabornman

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3onthetree

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emiliaonice
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